Relaxed!

The key to making our quick trip to HI work was the support from friends & family who very generously agreed to watch our girls. It had been 6 years since we'd last had a night away from our kids. They did great without us, which really freed us up to relax, once our work was done. Thanks Bernards, Grays, and Mom & Dad for a much overdue opportunity to unwind!

Morning at Diamond Head

Janelle & I were blessed with an incredible opportunity to teach about culture and worldview to a group in Hawai'i last week. We had a terrific time teaching, and were blessed with a little bit of free time to enjoy the beauty of Oahu. High surf curtailed our boogey boarding plans, but we had a fabulous time snorkeling, including 5 minutes to drift, within arm's reach, of a huge sea turtle. The above photo was taken at the top of Diamond Head, the well-known crater overlooking Waikiki and the rest of the southern coastline, during a quick but rewarding hike.

Snake Cake

This was certainly the tamest, and tastiest, snake at Elise's birthday party today! Janelle came through with yet another winner of a cake, complete with chocolate chunk eyes and a tongue made out of Red Vines.

Strength in Numbers

Meet E.T., a friendly African bull python about 6 feet long. His name comes from part of the pattern in his skin that looks an awful lot like that most famous of aliens. He was another of the wonderful guests at Elise's birthday party today. The girls still scream when they discover a fly trapped in the car, but not even 2-year-old Brooke hesitated to handle friendly E.T.!

Happy Belated Birthday, Elise!

With our kitchen out of commission when we'd planned on having Elise's 8th birthday (early February), Elise's birthday was postponed till today. The kitchen is still out of commission, but we went ahead with the party anyway, and boy, was it a hit. Last fall, the girls had won a gift basket that included a birthday package with Rich Ihle, "The Reptile Guy". He arrived on the scene this afternoon with about 9 of his reptilian friends. Pictured here is 16' Theresa, a 7-year-old reticulated python (they've been known to grow to almost 40 feet!). This gal was HUGE. As the birthday girl, Elise had the privilege of getting to handle all the snakes & lizards, and she embraced the opportunity with amazing gusto!

If any of you in the Phoenix area are ever looking for a unique and memorable birthday party, we highly recommend Rich of Reptile Adventures. He was absolutely terrific with the kids, and the program was excellent from beginning to end!

Happy 8th birthday, Elise! We love you!